Over 110 Native youth registered to enroll in NACSA this year. Those who completed both modules of the curriculum, which covered career preparation and managing personal finances, were eligible to apply for the Gen-I Career Success Fellowship and receive more hands-on career prep. The fellowship program received more than double the number of applicants this year compared to the inaugural year.

“As someone who studies Native policy, I wasn’t aware what Tribal economic development can do for policy, and vice versa. With this Fellowship, I learned how bankers and investors can work together with policymakers to improve Indian Country,” – Joshua Bertalotto, 2018 Gen-I Career Success Fellow

The five Fellows, accompanied by CNAY and NAFOA staff, met in New Orleans on April 22nd for the Gen-I Career Success Leadership Summit hosted by NAFOA. During the Summit, the Fellows received career-readiness advice from MBA students, Native professionals, and representatives from corporations. Additionally, they learned about Tribal Business Enterprises like the Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority and met with Tribal leaders like Cherokee Nation Treasurer Lacey A. Horn, and Tribal Chair & CEO Stephanie Bryan of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

After the Summit, Fellows attended the 36th Annual NAFOA Conference where they had the opportunity to join various sessions related to Tribal economic development and, importantly, network with Native professionals in business, finance, and management.

“It’s been exciting! I learned a lot through the different sessions and meeting with influential tribal leaders, especially women leaders.” – Jessica Bradby, 2018 Gen-I Career Success Fellow

To learn more about the Fellowship and how you can apply next year, click here.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) estimates that in 2016, 22% of AI/ANs lived on reservations or other US Census-defined tribal areas while 60% of AI/ANs lived in metropolitan areas.

“As intergenerational trauma survivors (and those who are still suffering) we must shift our minds from focusing on what has been lost and change it to the conscious awareness of what we can still learn.”